Chapter 139: Officially
Because of the solemn promise Yu Lanfeng had made to Nan Yu earlier, Nan Yu remained completely calm now. Every day, he went to visit Professor Liu in his hospital room.
In truth, Professor Liu's injuries weren't serious. After the examination, the doctors concluded that while his wounds were minor, his real problem was severe exhaustion. So rather than recovering from injuries, he was essentially being forced to stay in the ward and rest.
Nan Yu visited him every day. Every time Professor Liu saw him, he couldn't resist teaching him one thing or another. If he didn't, he felt uncomfortable all over. After thinking it over, Nan Yu decided he didn't want the professor overworking himself, so he only spent three hours each day in the hospital room. The rest of the time, they simply chatted.
Most of his remaining time was spent packing his belongings and saying goodbye one by one to everyone who knew he would soon be leaving the Capital Star to accompany the legion to the border.
Yang Zhou was naturally one of them.
Nan Yu found time to visit Yang Zhou in the residential building for military families. Hidden guards were undoubtedly following him, but this batch was clearly much more capable than before. No matter where Nan Yu went, they always had to know his exact location and confirm his condition.
Furthermore, after the major incident that had happened in the residential building, they now regarded the entire place as potentially unsafe. Given that, no amount of caution could be considered excessive.
Nan Yu knocked on the door.
It opened almost immediately.
Looking at the sleepy-eyed Yang Zhou, he smiled.
"You seem to be sleeping pretty comfortably."
Seeing that it was Nan Yu outside, Yang Zhou looked a little embarrassed.
"I stayed up too late playing last night, so I went to bed pretty late. Why are you here so early?"
"I've been busy lately, so I squeezed in some time to come chat with you. After all, I'll be leaving soon to head to the border with him for some firsthand experience."
As he spoke, he caught the fleeting flash of envy in Yang Zhou's eyes.
"That's amazing. If I had your abilities, I'd want to go too. Even if I were just tagging along to watch the excitement, I'd still be happy."
Yang Zhou sighed.
"Well... someone like me doesn't even need to dream about it. What I should really be thinking about is how to meet the graduation requirements. That's my real goal."
Looking at Yang Zhou's forced optimism, Nan Yu couldn't help recalling the relationship he had carefully hidden with Crown Prince Yuan Qiyang.
If the two of them truly wanted to stay together, it would undoubtedly be extremely difficult.
The Emperor and Empress he had met both seemed approachable and easy to get along with.
But only if you met their standards.
Nan Yu himself happened to fit those standards almost perfectly, which was why they wholeheartedly supported his relationship with Yu Lanfeng.
The Empress had even secretly helped dissolve his engagement to Bai Zhouyun, despite the fact that such a thing could easily be viewed as morally questionable.
That alone proved Nan Yu possessed qualifications that made her willing to do so.
As for the Emperor, he had previously neither supported nor opposed it simply because of his promise to the Bai family.
Now that the Bai family's favor had been repaid, his attitude toward Nan Yu naturally became much warmer.
But Nan Yu believed that if the person standing before the Emperor and Empress had been Yang Zhou—and the one he wanted to date had been their only son, the Crown Prince—they would absolutely never have agreed.
Yuan Qiyang undoubtedly understood this as well.
That was why they had hidden everything so carefully.
The two of them seemed to meet almost exclusively inside the game.
Yang Zhou claimed he'd stayed up too late because he'd been gaming.
But Nan Yu suspected the truth was that he'd spent far too long inside the virtual world and forgotten he still needed sleep.
...Was that really okay?
Yang Zhou could spend however long he wanted in the game.
But Yuan Qiyang was the Crown Prince, and one of Yu Lanfeng's officers.
If he stayed up all night gaming and appeared exhausted during the day, people would notice sooner or later.
That would only attract unnecessary attention and might expose their relationship much earlier than expected.
The loss would outweigh the gain.
Nan Yu felt a little worried.
He had already decided that once he became a High-Tier Mental Power User, he would help Yang Zhou.
At the very least, he'd help him become a Mid-Tier Mental Power User.
That way, although there would still be pressure if they wanted to be together, as long as they truly loved each other, things shouldn't be too difficult.
After all, becoming a Mid-Tier Mental Power User was merely the minimum requirement set by the Emperor and Empress.
"So the game is really that fun?" Nan Yu teased. "It has you completely hooked. Don't tell me you met a handsome guy in there? Is that why you're so attached to it?"
Yang Zhou instinctively smiled and nodded.
Only after doing so did he realize he'd fallen straight into Nan Yu's trap.
His eyes widened.
"You... when did you become this evil?"
Nan Yu waved his hand casually.
"Isn't it because you stopped sharing your little secrets with me?"
Then he leaned closer and whispered,
"So... did you meet someone you like in the game? Did you two agree to meet there and play together?"
Yang Zhou really didn't want to admit it.
But he'd already nodded.
Nan Yu had definitely seen it.
Denying it now would only make him look even more guilty.
Nan Yu didn't know every detail of their relationship, but there were still things he needed to say.
Ideally, once he became a High-Tier Mental Power User and told Yang Zhou about the Nianshen Grass, everything would become much easier.
"I figured it out a long time ago," Nan Yu said. "You two hide it well now, so well that I don't know anything anymore. But did you forget? Back in the beginning, you weren't nearly as careful. I noticed it back then. Even after you denied it, I could still tell."
"I'm only saying this because... he's an Ability User serving under Yu Lanfeng. His daily training schedule is already incredibly demanding. If he's also staying up all night gaming with you, then no matter how strong he is, sooner or later he'll lose focus."
"And if something happens because of that, it could end up separating the two of you even sooner."
Nan Yu neither exaggerated nor held anything back.
He simply said everything that needed to be said.
Yang Zhou opened his mouth but couldn't find the words.
He had simply been too happy and had completely lost track of time.
Even after logging off, he'd regretted it.
He'd already planned to never spend that much time online again.
Before he even had the chance to put that plan into action, Nan Yu had already seen right through him.
Neither of them mentioned Yuan Qiyang's name.
Yang Zhou knew there were other people protecting him in secret, so the Crown Prince's identity had to remain confidential.
"...Was it really that obvious?" Yang Zhou asked awkwardly.
Nan Yu sighed.
"What do you think? Before, you couldn't see it because you were caught up in it. Now that I've pointed it out, try looking at it from an outsider's perspective. Doesn't it seem obvious?"
Yang Zhou lowered his head.
"But... this is the only way we can be together right now. We can't date like ordinary people."
"His family would never approve."
"They'd think I wasn't good enough for him."
Nan Yu took a deep breath.
"You're right."
"I think they'd probably feel exactly that way."
"His status is simply too high. It's only natural that his family would look down on you."
"So I think the most important thing for you now is to focus on your graduation assessment."
"No matter what, you need to pass it properly and earn your diploma."
"At the very least, it'll give you one more qualification you can proudly present. It still might not impress them much, but at least it'll look better on paper. Don't you think?"
Yang Zhou nodded.
If the person he loved had been someone ordinary, life would have been much easier.
But he'd fallen in love at first sight.
Then he'd fallen even deeper.
Now his entire heart belonged to that person.
If someone told him to leave him...
He simply couldn't do it.
"Nan Yu..."
"...Do you have some way to help me?"
Nan Yu's heart skipped a beat.
He did.
Just not yet.
"What way could I possibly have?" Nan Yu smiled helplessly. "I just hope you'll listen to me for now. Get an excellent score on your graduation assessment. That'll be the best way to repay me."
Yang Zhou suddenly felt guilty.
"You really sound like an old mother."
"Fine, fine. I get it."
"I'll be more careful."
"And... he'll probably be busy with something important soon, so we won't be gaming together much anyway."
"You're leaving with the Marshal too, right?"
"Then I'll be all alone here."
"So lonely..."
"When will we get to play together again?"
The worst part was that he couldn't even wander around freely.
He might get arrested if he went somewhere he shouldn't.
Of course, that restriction applied to ordinary family members rather than him.
When he'd first moved here, he'd gone through official verification.
His guarantor had been Nan Yu.
Because of Nan Yu's special status, Yang Zhou had received countless privileges.
After the guards discovered he rarely liked going outside in the first place, they liked him even more.
For someone whose safety they had to prioritize, there was nothing better than a protected target who never left his room.
They no longer had to chase after him everywhere or worry about him wandering into dangerous areas.
In their eyes, Yang Zhou was simply obedient, well-behaved, and wonderfully easy to look after.
Nan Yu, however, had no idea what the guards thought.
All he knew was that because of him, Yang Zhou had to remain here instead of going wherever he pleased.
"I really am leaving the Capital Star with him soon."
"You'll have to stay here alone."
"I'm sorry, Yang Zhou."
"I never wanted this."
Yang Zhou suddenly burst into laughter.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"I'm grateful enough that you let me stay somewhere this safe."
"How could I possibly blame you?"
"And besides..."
"You're the one who gave me the chance to meet him."
"So I'll be grateful to you for the rest of my life."
"Really."
Nan Yu could tell he meant every word.
He truly had fallen deeply in love.
Nan Yu silently resolved that one day he would help Yang Zhou become a Mid-Tier Mental Power User.
Only then could he openly stand beside Yuan Qiyang instead of hiding their relationship forever.
As the son of the Emperor and Empress, Yuan Qiyang naturally understood them better than anyone else.
He knew their personalities.
Their expectations.
Even the requirements they had for his future partner.
In fact, Yuan Qiyang's own standards for choosing a partner had originally been inherited from his parents.
The absolute minimum requirement was becoming a Mid-Tier Mental Power User.
And that was only the beginning.
There were countless Mid-Tier Mental Power Users.
Beyond that, they expected additional qualifications.
Graduating from the Royal Military Academy of the Capital Star.
Holding an official diploma.
Or ranking among the top ten percent of all Mid-Tier Mental Power Users.
Yuan Qiyang had never mentioned any of this to Yang Zhou.
Yet Yang Zhou had vaguely sensed it all.
He knew Yuan Qiyang feared exposing their relationship even more than he did.
Not because he was a scumbag unwilling to acknowledge him.
But because he cherished him.
Because he didn't want to lose him.
That was why he'd hidden everything so carefully.
The thought alone filled Yang Zhou's heart with sweetness.
If possible...
He wouldn't mind keeping this relationship underground for the rest of his life.
He'd gladly accept it.
Nan Yu naturally had no idea what his best friend was thinking.
If he did, he'd probably do nothing more than sigh.
He really has fallen this deeply...
"I'll probably be away with him for a long time," Nan Yu said. "I'm not sure exactly how long. If I get the chance, I might come back to the Capital Star for a visit. When I do, I'll definitely come see you."
"I just hope you'll stay safe here."
Yang Zhou smiled.
"Of course I will."
"If even this place isn't safe, then nowhere on the Capital Star is."
Nan Yu sighed regretfully.
"If possible..."
"I'd really like you to live inside headquarters."
"The security there is much better than here."
"If only..."
Yang Zhou hurriedly interrupted him.
"Absolutely not."
"You've only just joined the legion."
"If I moved into headquarters, everyone would say you abused your relationship with Yu Lanfeng to get me in."
"You'd be put in an impossible position."
"Wouldn't that make me the guilty one?"
"But I still can't stop worrying," Nan Yu admitted.
Not long ago, Professor Liu had been attacked.
Before that incident, none of them had imagined someone could infiltrate them in such a way.
Fortunately...
The infiltrator had turned out to be an informant.
Even so, he still had to be imprisoned.
As for where he was currently being held...
Even Nan Yu didn't know.
Thinking it over carefully, Nan Yu realized there probably weren't many Mental Power Users capable of projecting their mental power externally, splitting it into tiny spheres, inserting them into another person's Mental Sea, influencing their thoughts, or temporarily controlling their actions.
Perhaps...
Other than himself...
There simply weren't any.
"Just be careful," Nan Yu reminded him.
"Unless it's absolutely necessary, don't leave your residence."
"Everyone's secretly watching over and protecting you."
Yang Zhou laughed.
"I know."
"I've got plenty of free time lately anyway."
"I might as well grind levels like crazy in the game."
"The next time you log in, maybe I'll already be one of the strongest players."
"I'll make you jealous."
Nan Yu smiled.
"Sounds good."
"When that happens, I'll make you the Vice Guild Leader."
"You'll be responsible for recruiting new members and developing the guild."
"I'll deposit twenty million credits into the guild account."
"If that's not enough, just tell me."
Yang Zhou blinked.
"Our guild only has this many people."
"That much money..."
"I don't even know how long it'd take us to spend it."
Incidentally, every member of the guild could see exactly how much currency Nan Yu deposited into the guild treasury.
Only the Guild Leader and Vice Guild Leader had permission to spend it.
Everyone else could only earn guild currency by completing guild missions.
Twenty million credits' worth of guild funds...
Anyone who saw that number would be tempted.
Yang Zhou grinned.
"Perfect."
"I'll use the money to recruit talented players, motivate everyone to complete missions, donate materials to the guild, earn contribution points..."
The two of them spent a long time chatting enthusiastically about the game.
Yu Lanfeng would certainly continue using it in the future.
His technical team was already making adjustments—adding new features, improving the graphics, and optimizing countless details.
Although the overall gameplay would remain the same, the updated version would definitely feel different.
Yang Zhou glanced at the time.
"Looks like it's about time."
Nan Yu nodded.
"Then I'll get going."
"Take good care of yourself."
He stood and left.
Yang Zhou remained standing on the balcony, watching Nan Yu walk out of the building and board his hovercraft.
The door closed.
Nan Yu disappeared from sight.
Yang Zhou returned to his room, tidied it up a little, then crawled back under the blankets to catch up on sleep.
He hadn't slept well the previous night.
First, because he'd learned something he never wanted to know.
Second, because that person would also be leaving for a long time.
Still, he understood.
He was a soldier.
When Ability Beasts rampaged along the border, he had to go.
There was no room for selfishness.
Yang Zhou didn't resent it.
On the contrary, he believed it was exactly what should happen.
He just...
Felt a little lonely.
Since that was the case, all he could do was play games.
Grind experience.
Grind levels.
Grind proficiency.
He swore that by the time Yu Lanfeng returned, he'd leave him completely speechless.
With those thoughts in mind, he gradually drifted off into sleep.
Judging by the faint smile on his lips...
He was probably having a wonderful dream.
Meanwhile, Nan Yu returned to Yu Lanfeng.
"Brother, I have something I want to discuss with you."
Yu Lanfeng beckoned.
Nan Yu walked over and sat beside him.
"What is it?"
"As long as it's your request, I'll agree."
Nan Yu smiled.
"I knew you'd say that."
"I wanted to ask..."
"After I leave for the border with you, I'd like the people assigned to protect me to stay here and guard Yang Zhou instead."
"Are you sure?" Yu Lanfeng asked.
"Yes."
"Once we're gone, I'll be with you all the time anyway."
"Since I'll already have you protecting me, having everyone else there would just be unnecessary."
"That's true."
"But they're all elite personnel."
"If they all stay behind on the Capital Star instead of joining the combat forces at the border, we'll lose several elite squads."
"What if I'm there?" Nan Yu argued.
"I'll do everything I can to heal the soldiers and help them recover to peak condition much faster."
Yu Lanfeng smiled.
"Don't you think those same elite soldiers would become even more effective if they fought beside us under those conditions?"
Nan Yu understood the logic.
But he answered honestly.
"Brother..."
"If Yang Zhou gets taken..."
"I'll definitely..."
"I'll definitely go save him."
"You don't need to worry so much."
"I know he's your best friend."
"So I've already arranged for several people to move into the neighboring house."
"They'll keep watch over him at all times."
"If anyone approaches, they'll notice immediately."
"So nothing will happen to him."
Nan Yu took a deep breath.
"Since you've already thought everything through..."
"Then we'll do it your way."
Yu Lanfeng patted his shoulder.
"What happened before was an accident."
"And besides, it wasn't actually an enemy."
"After that incident, I upgraded every part of the security system and defensive measures."
"As long as Yang Zhou doesn't wander around and stays where he is, nothing will happen."
Although Nan Yu still worried, he also understood that if Yang Zhou were ever kidnapped, he himself would never stand by and do nothing.
Yu Lanfeng had clearly considered all of this already.
Since that was the case, there was no need for him to interfere.
"If you've already arranged everything, then I won't say anything more."
"How much longer before we leave?"
Professor Liu's incident had essentially been resolved.
As for what eventually happened to that informant, Nan Yu didn't know.
He only knew that he definitely wouldn't be executed.
His punishment would likely be reduced.
After all...
He had revealed an earth-shattering secret.
Nan Yu frowned deeply.
In this life, no one should have discovered that he possessed the Nianshen Grass.
At least, the information couldn't have originated from the Capital Star.
If anyone here had known, they would have flocked to curry favor with him and his family.
Or they would have demanded that he hand the Nianshen Grass over to the Empire so its benefits could be maximized.
But neither had happened.
Not even once.
Which meant...
If the information hadn't leaked from him...
And hadn't leaked from the Capital Star...
Then only one explanation remained.
It was the same conclusion he'd reached before.
As unbelievable as it sounded...
This world was full of unbelievable things.
Perhaps it really was possible.
After thinking it through, Nan Yu became even more convinced that Bai Zhouyun had revealed the secret.
It was the only explanation that fit.
According to the latest reports, Bai Zhouyun was currently living extravagantly in the most prosperous city of another country.
Their current operation aimed to avoid alerting him, so sending someone to casually probe him shouldn't be a problem.
The thought that Bai Zhouyun was enjoying a luxurious life abroad using wealth obtained by selling Nan Yu's greatest secret made his chest ache with fury.
Once Bai Zhouyun was captured...
Nan Yu would make him suffer.
Especially because he still needed to repay that punch.
More importantly...
There was one critically important question he had to ask.
If Bai Zhouyun had become like him...
Then perhaps they weren't the only extraordinary people in this world.
If that were true, he could no longer face the future as calmly as before.
They might be able to seize key moments in history and alter certain events.
But many things destined to happen would probably happen anyway.
And once that information spread...
There would be no stopping what came next.